UPCEA - Mid-Atlantic Region

Things to Do in Pittsburgh

Things to do in the Pittsburgh Area
The conference hotel is surrounded by Pittsburgh Port Authority buses that can take you to all surrounding neighborhoods and is also just blocks away from a light rail station that will quickly take you to the North Side/North Shore. If you’d rather stay put Downtown, visit downtownpittsburgh.com/visit/ for a comprehensive listing of what this neighborhood has to offer. Visit the Pittsburgh City Paper’s event guide or check out this official guide to Pittsburgh from Visit Pittsburgh for local events and activities.

Museums/Attractions

Carnegie Museum of Art (Oakland)
Carnegie Museum of National History (Oakland)
Phipps Conservatory (Oakland)
The Frick Art and Historical Center (Point Breeze)
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium (Highland Park)
Senator John Heinz History Center (Strip District)
The National Aviary (North Side)
Mattress Factory (North Side) This unique contemporary art museum is located in the historic Mexican War Streets, a neighborhood known for its beautiful Victorian architecture.
Randyland (North Side) Artist Randy Gilson’s home also located in the Mexican War Streets, is a colorful attraction that stands out in the neighborhood.
Carnegie Science Center (North Shore)
Andy Warhol Museum (North Shore)

Parks and Outdoor Activities

Point State Park (Downtown) The confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers and home to a 150-ft tall spraying fountain.
Kayak Pittsburgh (North Shore)
Duquesne Incline - These historical cable cars will provide you with the best view of the city.
Schenley Park (Oakland)
Frick Park (Point Breeze) Pittsburgh’s largest historic regional park is well known for its famous Blue Slide Playground, recently renamed “Mac Miller’s Blue Slide Park” in honor of the late local rapper.

Entertainment and Shopping

Cultural District (Downtown) Downtown Pittsburgh is home to the August Wilson Cultural Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
Arcade Comedy Theater (Downtown) This nonprofit comedy theater features improv, stand-up, and sketch shows.
The Strip District - This lively district neighboring Downtown is full of specialty markets, gift shops, bars, and restaurants, including Primanti Bros. original location.
Pittsburgh Banjo Club (North Side) - The Pittsburgh Banjo Club hosts a free banjo night every Wednesday. While open to the public, reservations are recommended.
Row House Cinema (Lawrenceville) Lawrenceville and adjoining neighborhood Bloomfield are where to go for hip restaurants, boutiques, and dive bars. Lawrenceville’s popular Butler Street is home to Row House Cinema, a single-screen theater with themed special screenings is attached to a craft bottle shop, Bierport.

Staff and Committee Picks (suggestion)
Famous Pittsburgh foods: Primanti Bros., with locations all over Pittsburgh, is famous for their sandwiches piled high with coleslaw and french fries. If you’ve saved room for dessert, stop by Prantl’s Bakery for their nationally known and award-winning Burnt Almond Torte. Conference attendees should know that both Primanti Bros. and Prantl’s Bakery have locations in Downtown’s Market Square. If you’re still in town on Sunday, October 6, catch a Pittsburgh Steeler’s game versus the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field.